fit him for it.
Eleanor was his companion generally, and grew to be as much interested
in his objects as he was himself. Perhaps that is saying too much. In
the house certainly Mr. Rhys bestowed an amount of patient time and
investigation upon his microscopical studies which Eleanor did not
emulate; time and pains which made him presently a capital manipulator,
and probably stowed away quantities of knowledge under that quiet brow
of his. Many an hour Mr. Rhys and his microscope were silent
companions, during which he was rapt and absorbed in his contemplations
or his efforts--whichever it might be; but then at other times, and
before and after these times, Eleanor and Mrs. Caxton were constantly
invited to a share in some of the results at least of what was going on.

Perhaps three people rarely enjoy more comfort together in themselves
and in each other, than these three did for some weeks following the
date of the last chapter. Mr. Rhys was a wonderful pleasant addition to
the family. He was entirely at home, and not a person be trammelled by
any ordinary considerations. He was silent when he felt like it; he
kept alone when he was busy; he put no unnatural force upon himself
when he was fatigued; but silent, or weary, or busy, there was always
and at all times where he was, the feeling of the presence of one who
was never absent from God. It was in the atmosphere about him; it was
in the look that he wore, free and simple as that always was, in its
gravity; it was in the straightforward doing of duty, all little things
as much as in great things; the little things never forgotten, the
great things never waived. It was an unconscious testimony that Mr.
Rhys carried about with him; and which his companions seeing, they
moved about with softened steps and strengthened hearts all the while.
But he was not always tired and silent; and when he was not, he was a
most delightful companion, as free to talk as a child and as full of
matter as a wise man; and entirely social and sympathetic too in his
whole temper and behaviour. He would not enjoy his natural historical
discoveries alone; Mrs. Caxton and Eleanor were made to take their full
share. The family circle was, quietly, a very lively one; there was no
stagnating anywhere. He and Mrs. Caxton had many subjects and interests
in common of which they talked freely, and Eleanor was only too glad to
listen. There were books and reviews read aloud sometimes, with very
pithy d